The artificial kidney has been utilized as a substitute for a biological system which is necessary to maintain life. Hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, hemofiltration and hemoperfusion comprise the sub entities of the artificial kidney. For those suffering from end-stage renal disease (ESRD), the artificial kidney or transplant are the two life-saving options. The aim of the artificial kidney is to provide sufficient chemical processing, adequate ultrafiltration, absence of bacterial and/or chemical toxicity, minimal mechanical damage to blood elements and equilibrium (Stephen, 1981).In 1912, John Abel and his colleagues were the first to describe in vivo hemodialysis of animals with an artificial kidney made of collodion (Van Noordwijk, 2001). Over the next thirty years others developed artificial kidneys but they were impractical for use in humans due to the lack of suitable membrane and anticoagulant. In 1943, Willem Kolff developed a rotating drum artificial kidney and later the Kolff-Brigham dialyzer which became a standard throughout the 1950’s (Stephen, 1981). The rotating drum system consisted of sausage casing wrapped around a wooden drum set and situated in a salt solution. The drum was then rotated to remove impurities. Developments throughout the 1960’s and 1970’s, such as the development of arterio-venous shunts, rapidly improved dialyzers.

1943 Kolff rotating drum

Early Dialyzers

1948 Kolff-Brigham dialyzer

Currently our system of dialysis still depends on large machines which are stationary and immobilizes the patient for the duration of their treatment.The future of artificial kidneys is in experimenting with a portable, wearable device which will allow for freedom and provide the first step in developing a true artificial organ.

Continued Research

Improvements in medical care have increased longevity and in turn have subjected a greater number of individuals to diseases of aging such as failure of the kidneys and heart. The prevalence of organ failure has increased and so has the demand for transplantation. Coupled with the scarcity of organ donors the outcome has produced increased numbers of people dying waiting for transplantation. Alternatives are needed in order to save lives. What started as research into the functions of the human body has led to the development of artificial organs. Mechanical organs have clearly evolved and become sophisticated and complex tools used to sustain life. Who knows what the future will hold…